May 012013
 
2008 Ceja Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA, $50 (S) – Rating 91

Very approachable with just a short decant. The nose entices with notes of dark cherry, plum, blueberry and dark spice with hints of leather. A full mouth-feel with balanced tannins offering flavors of cherry, blackberry and dark spice with espresso in the long finish. Good acidity for pairing with a grilled steak. Buy This Wine

Mar 202013
 
2009 Ceja Vineyards Pinot Noir, Carneros, CA, $50 (S) – Rating 90

A rich and deep Pinot that needs some time to open to its full splendor. The jammy nose is full of blueberry, raspberry jam and spice with just a nuance of smoke. Medium to full-bodied with good acidity and soft tannins offering flavors of cherry, blueberry, raspberry, ripe plum and dark spice.  It’s a baby…This will will only improve over the next few years. Buy This Wine

Feb 172013
 
2009 Ceja Vineyards Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Carneros, CA, $34 (S) – Rating 91

A crisp style of Chardonnay with an appealing nose of pineapple cream, Meyer lemon and canned pears. Sur lie aging creates a round soft mouth-feel without the flabbiness found in some CA Chards. Well balanced acidity with flavors of green apple, Meyer lemon, ripe pineapple with other tropical notes makes this wine a great food pairing partner. Buy This Wine

Jan 312013
 
rockandvinebookjacketYou Can Win a Free Copy of Rock and Vine …Read on….

CONTEST CLOSED…CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THREE WINNERS

Many California wine lovers have heard the stories of Napa and Sonoma pioneers from the 1960’s, 70’s and earlier. Even the movie Bottle Shock celebrated their early successes. But what about now? Who are the rising wine stars that wine lovers need to know? Many of the up and comers have it in their genes…they are the children, grandchildren and even in some cases the great-grandchildren of the early wine country pioneers.

Due out early February 2013 is the beautifully written and photographed book, Rock and Vine which “reveals the lives and innovations of next generation changemakers in California’s wine country. Continue reading »

Jan 022013
 
2009 Ceja Vineyards Vino de Casa, Red Wine, Napa Valley, CA, $20 (S) – Rating 89

A real “Go-To” red blend with enough acidity to compliment most any meal or just enjoy while cooking with friends. A fun nose of blueberry, plum and dark berry fruit. Fruit forward flavors of blueberry, blackberry and raspberry with notes of spice and smoke are balanced with soft tannins and mouth-watering acidity on the long finish. Paired perfectly with Mexican chorizo stuffed mushrooms! Buy This Wine